Protesting Wrestlers Cleared from Jantar Mantar; New Venue Offered

New Delhi: Following the clearance of the sit-in site by the Delhi Police, it has been announced that the protesting wrestlers will be permitted to demonstrate at an alternative location within the city, away from Jantar Mantar.

According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi), the demonstration by the wrestlers was initially proceeding smoothly at the designated location of Jantar Mantar. However, on Sunday, the protestors disregarded repeated requests from the authorities and violated the law. Consequently, the site was cleared, and the protest was brought to an end.

The statement further stated that if the wrestlers apply for permission to hold their sit-in in the future, they will be allowed to do so at an appropriate location other than Jantar Mantar, as notified by the authorities.

Notably, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and other protesters were charged with rioting and obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duty on Sunday. This occurred following a scuffle with security personnel who attempted to prevent them from marching towards the newly inaugurated Parliament building. Subsequently, the Delhi Police evacuated the site of their month-long sit-in at Jantar Mantar and prohibited their return.

During the events, the police detained approximately 700 individuals across the national capital, with 109 protesters, including the three wrestlers, being held at Jantar Mantar. The female detainees were later released on Sunday evening.